Senior Tooling Engineer

Date Posted:

2026-10-22

Country:

United Kingdom

Location:

Kilkeel, Newry, Mourne and Down

Position Role Type:

Onsite

Do you want to be part of a team working on cutting-edge innovations that shape the future of air travel? If so, Collins Aerospace is looking for a Senior Tooling Engineer to join our Manufacturing Team onsite in Kilkeel, Northern Ireland! 

 

At Collins Aerospace Kilkeel, we push the boundaries of innovation, prioritise safety and drive cost efficiency. Our mission goes beyond transporting people from point A to point B; we strive to make air travel more comfortable, connected, and secure. As a global leader in aviation interior products and services, we partner with airlines and original equipment manufacturers to deliver outstanding travel experiences. 

 

 

What Will Do

• Oversee tooling projects end-to-end, including vendor selection, budgeting, commissioning, and acceptance for the manufacture of all composite and thermoplastic components using both internal and external resource.
• Design, manage, and oversee maintenance for all tooling for the manufacture of composites and thermoplastics using both internal and external resources.
• Provide tooling cost estimates to support programme planning and approvals.
• Collaborate with Integrated Product Teams (IPT) to develop optimised tooling solutions aligned with current manufacturing capabilities.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, tooling standards, and specifications.
• Plan and manage tooling maintenance schedules in line with production needs.
• Support and guide tool maintenance and repair shop activities.
• Partner with Operations to resolve tooling-related challenges on the shop floor.
• Drive continuous improvement in tooling strategies and performance, cost efficiency, and product quality.
• Promote a safe working environment aligned with company standards.
• Any other duties as deemed relevant to the position.

 

 

What Will Learn

• Advanced composite and thermoforming tooling design and manufacturing processes
• End-to-end project management of tooling programmes
• Cross-functional collaboration within Integrated Product Teams
• Vendor management and external supplier engagement
• Continuous improvement methodologies, including lean manufacturing principles
• Problem-solving in a high-performance production environment
• How to optimise tooling for efficiency, cost, and quality in a real-world setting

 

Essential Criteria

• Hold, or be working towards, a third-level qualification in Aeronautical, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline with a minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a Tooling Engineer role or comparable professional engineering role
• Ability to design new tooling, from initial concept to production

• Experience of working with external vendors to deliver tooling packages

• Understanding of GD&T

• Project management experience

 

 

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in composite production techniques & processes.
• Experience in thermoforming
• Experience in tool manufacturing
• Understanding of lean manufacturing techniques

• Ability to think logically whilst ensuring day to day operation objectives are met.

What We Offer

We are committed to providing an industry-leading benefits package. Our offerings include:

• 25 days Annual Leave & 9 Public Holidays 
• Ability to buy & sell annual leave 
• Attractive Compensation Package 
• Private Medical Insurance 
• Generous Employer Contribution Pension Scheme 
• Early finish on Fridays 
• Flexible benefits tailored to you 
• Discounted gym membership 
• Life Assurance
• Group Income Protection 
• Professional Development & Growth 
• Support with professional fees 
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) 
• Healthcare benefits (including healthcare cash plan) 
• Staff Discounts 
• Work/Life Balance 
• Wellness Programs 
• Employee Recognition 
• Employee Referral Bonus 
• Free onsite parking 
• Opportunities for progression and development 

 

How to Apply

• Please ensure your application clearly outlines how you meet the criteria required for this role.
• Submit your CV through Workday.
• Collins Aerospace is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

 

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.  

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